John Michael Baker of Oroville entered the pleas Monday prior to a scheduled preliminary hearing in Butte County Superior Court.

In addition to the rape and attempted kidnapping, Baker was charged with statutory rape because his girlfriend was reportedly 16, according to deputy district attorney Jennifer Dupre-Tokos.

The sexual assault was reported first, according to Dupre-Tokos. On May 15, Baker encountered a woman in her 30s near a service station at the intersection of Oro Dam Boulevard and Olive Highway. The woman had sought a telephone and Baker had offered the one at his grandmother's.

They started to walk off, but Baker eventually dragged her forcefully to a field, beat her and raped her, Dupre-Tokos said.

After Baker left on a bicycle, the woman climbed a fence and ran for help. She gave a good description of her attacker and identified defensive wounds she made on Baker.

Days later, police tried to stop Baker on his bike during a traffic stop. He attempted to flee but was apprehended. The flight led to a misdemeanor obstruction charge.

Defensive wounds matching the woman's description were reportedly found on Baker. DNA was also taken and later found to be a probable match to the attacker.

The attempted kidnapping reportedly took place in June 2010 in downtown Oroville when Baker came up to another woman and put a gun to her head and told her to come with him. The woman screamed, causing Baker to run off.

This woman later saw him in a vehicle, and a family member identified Baker. Because she was afraid, the woman reported the incident only after she knew Baker was in custody.

Before Monday's hearing started, Dupre-Tokos told Judge Steven Howell the prosecution would agree to resolve the case if Baker pleaded guilty to the rape and attempted kidnapping. Additionally, Baker needed to admit to kidnapping for a special purpose in the rape case and admit a prior strike — a residential burglary conviction in October 2010.

After seeking to replace his court-appointed attorney, Leo Battle, the defendant decided to accept the agreement.

Baker faces up to 26 years, eight months in state prison when he is sentenced May 22. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.

The charges he pleaded to may be considered strikes under the state's three-strikes law, so he may face life imprisonment if convicted of an additional serious or violent felony.

Had Baker been convicted of all counts and allegations, he could have been sentenced to 58 years in prison.

The remaining counts and cases were dismissed, including a kidnapping charge in the rape case and assault with a deadly weapon in the attempted abduction.

Dupre-Tokos said the victims were willing to testify, but Baker's plea change averts the need for the testimony. She said her office discussed the offer with the rape victim before proceeding.

"It's good that he'll be off the streets for about 20 years," Dupre-Tokos said.

Outside of court, Battle said it was an appropriate resolution given what his client was charged with and what the prosecution could prove at the hearing.